Rhode Island Faces Data Breach as Hackers Demand Ransom

Rhode Island has been struck by a significant data breach, potentially compromising the personal and financial information of hundreds of thousands of residents. The breach, attributed to an international cybercriminal group, involves stolen sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, and has led to extortion demands. The hackers have threatened to release the information unless a ransom is paid, state officials reported on Saturday.

Governor Dan McKee confirmed that the breach affects individuals enrolled in the state’s government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and healthcare services provided through HealthSource RI. The attack targeted the state’s RIBridges portal, an online platform for accessing social services, which was breached earlier this month.

Although the breach was initially detected, it was only confirmed on Friday after the state’s vendor, Deloitte, validated the hacking incident. The governor’s office stated that Deloitte had confirmed a high probability that a cybercriminal had accessed files containing personally identifiable information.

The breach may affect anyone who has applied for or received assistance through these programs since 2016. In response to the threat, RIBridges has been temporarily shut down, and those applying for new benefits will be required to use paper applications until the system is secured and restored.

Households believed to be affected by the breach will receive official notification from the state, along with guidance on how to protect their personal and financial data.